BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Howell Willingly Makes Sacrifice

Jay Howell confirmed Friday that the decision to place him on the 15-day disabled list was based less on his elbow problems then the Dodgers need of a catcher, since Mike Scioscia is sidelined because of a swollen right hand. The Dodgers recalled catcher Carlos Hernandez from triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

“Because we have 11 pitchers, I probably could have stayed active, sure,” said Howell, who said he has been nursing a tender elbow for a month. “But I think it was a good tactical move.

“Because I haven’t pitched in a week, I will have to miss just a week. Then we play three games, then the All-Star break will give me more time off.”

Dennis Cook, who was recalled from Albuquerque to replace Howell, was upset when he was sent down at the end of spring training. But Cook stopped complaining and won seven games in 10 decisions with a 3.63 earned-run average. He also had 84 strikeouts and 32 walks in 91 2/3 innings.

“The bottom line is, they are paying me to do a job, whether it’s here, there or wherever,” Cook said. “Sure, I could have complained, but you never know what will happen. That’s why while I’m up here, I’m just going to enjoy it.”

Cook didn’t fare well in his first appearance with the Dodgers. In the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, he replaced Kevin Gross with a 2-and-0 count on Otis Nixon in the ninth inning, threw two balls, and was removed.

Darryl Strawberry threw the ball for the first time Friday since going on the disabled list June 18 and says he hopes to take batting practice today and rejoin the active roster next week in San Diego.